Click on event for additional details or us the  Calendar Summary

Annual Open House at Camp Wilderness

  • Friday of every year during Reunion Week (which ever week the 4th of July lands)
  • Open invitation to families of the camp staff to see camp

Reunion Week at Camp Wilderness

  • 4th of July (which ever week the 4th of July lands)
  • Chance to enjoy the weekend (Or the full week!) of summer camp
  • Must have completed Physical Form if staying overnight & current BSA Membership
  • Must follow all camp rules

Fall Fellowship

  • Fellowship, Winterizing Camp, Small Projects, and Camp Master Training

Christmas Party (Staff and Association)

  • Fellowship and fun at Zorbaz and Camp Wilderness

Welcoming Staff / Staff Week   (previously called Spring Gathering)

  • Welcome Staff to Camp and Fellowship

Local Socials — Fellowship and Food

  • Fargo Social — First Tuesday of each month at a local restaurant from 7-9 pm (check our Facebook page for this month’s location)
  • Grand Forks — Check Facebook for the next event
  • Duluth — Check Facebook for the next event

Camp Reunions — Celebrating the Camp’s Anniversary for Metigoshe, Wabaunaquat, Heart Butte, Big 4, and Camp Wilderness.

Announcing Newly Elected Association Officer and Board Member

Congratulations to Wayne Stephens for being elected as Executive Secretary.  Andrew Fugleberg as President and Lane Schirado as past President.  Dave Pederson was re-elected to the Board of Directors.

Recently an update was announced for Scouting’s Youth Protection policies regarding adult registration for participation in Scouting events. The safety of our youth is the first and foremost priority of the Boy Scouts of America.
 
Please take a moment to read about these changes that will take effect September 1, 2023. Units are strongly encouraged to begin following the updated guidelines now in preparation for the mandatory effective date of September 1.
 

Registration Requirements

The chartered organization representative, or in their absence the executive officer of the chartered organization, must approve the registration of the unit’s adult leaders.
 
Registration includes:
  • Completion of application including criminal background check
  • Mandatory Youth Protection training
  • Volunteer Screening Database check
Current Youth Protection training that is valid for at least one year is required for leaders when renewing their registration or at unit charter renewal. Adults with expired Youth Protection will be suspended from serving as a volunteer.
 
Adult program participants, those ages 18, 19 and 20, must register as adults and follow Youth Protection policies. “Adult program participants” are found in Venturing, Sea Scouting, Exploring, and the Order of the Arrow.
 

Adult Registration Requirement to Take Effect September 1, 2023

Effective September 1, 2023: Two registered adult leaders at least 21 years of age are required at all Scouting activities, including all meetings. There must be a registered female adult leader at least 21 years of age in every unit serving females. A registered female adult leader at least 21 years must be present for any activity involving female youth or female adult program participants. Notwithstanding the minimum leader requirements, age and program-appropriate supervision must always be provided.
 
All adults staying overnight in connection with a Scouting activity must be currently registered in an adult fee required position as listed or as an adult program participant. Limited exception below for Cub Scout overnight programs. See FAQ for list of adult fee required positions. Registration as a Merit Badge Counselor does not meet this requirement, as these are no-fee registrations..
 
Cub Scout Programs – Overnight Exception: 
Cub Scout parents or legal guardians taking part in an overnight Cub Scout program with their own child or legal ward are not required to register as leaders. All adults must review the “How to Protect your Children from Child Abuse: A Parent’s Guide” that can be found in the front of each Cub Scout Handbook. In addition, the parent or legal guardian must be accompanied by a registered leader at any time they are with youth members other than their own child/ward. All other overnight adults must be currently registered in an adult fee required position.

Join us for the 29th Annual Western North Dakota Scouters Golf Classic on August 28, 2023 at the Vardon Golf Club in Minot, ND!

 

www.nlcbsa.org/golf

Join us as we celebrate leadership and success with guest speaker Easton Stick, NFL Quarterback and NDSU Alumnus, on Thursday, July 13, 2023 from 11:30 AM to 1:00 PM. There will be time for questions and autographs with Easton.

 

There will also be testimonials from current Scouts on the role Scouting plays in their lives and how it has helped to make them successful. You will not want to miss hearing from these inspiring young people. This is a free lunch! However, guests will be encouraged to make a personal contribution to support local Scouting!

 

For more information, contact Shaun Grover at 701.941.0733 or at shaun.grover@scouting.org 

BSA’s emergence from bankruptcy represents a pivotal milestone in the history of the Boy Scouts of America. To preserve its mission and to position Scouting for the future, the BSA will be required to increase the national annual membership fees for both youth and adults.

 

Effective August 1, 2023, the BSA will implement the following national membership fees which were approved by the National Executive Committee:

 

  • $80 for Cub Scouts, Scouts BSA, Venturing and Sea Scouting participants ($5 increase)
  • $60 for all adult volunteers ($15 increase to provide general liability insurance and enhanced background checks)
  • $25 one-time joining fee for new program participants in Cub Scouts, Scouts BSA, Venturing and Sea Scouting (Not prorated and no change in fee)
  • $30 for Scoutreach (Not prorated)
  • $25 for Merit Badge Counselors (New fee applies only for Merit Badge Counselors not already registered as leaders)
  • $50 for Exploring participants youth & adult ($5 increase)
  • $100 for a unit charter/affiliation fee (no change in fee)
  • $15 for Scout Life magazine
 
New Annual Membership Fee Process Announced – BSA Will No Longer Prorate Fees for New Members beginning August 1, 2023
Beginning August 1, 2023, all new youth and adult members who join Scouting will be enrolled in a 12-month membership cycle and BSA will cease prorating fees. Both youth and adults will pay the full annual membership fee and will renew their membership on the anniversary date of joining Scouting. All proration of membership fees will be eliminated. Each registered member of the BSA will receive an email notice with a registration renewal link beginning 60 days before the anniversary date they joined Scouting. Unit leaders will receive a copy of the email and should stay engaged in the membership renewal process just like rechartering.

 

It is important to note, existing members will renew their membership during their normal registration/recharter cycle through March 2024. Moving forward all members will renew on their anniversary date.

 

  • Existing members’ Anniversary date will be their unit recharter month.
  • New members’ anniversary date will be the month they joined.

This new process is expected to help streamline the rechartering and membership renewal process for units and councils. Additional information on this membership renewal process will be forthcoming in the very near future.

 

There will be no increase in council fees in 2023. They will remain at $36 per youth member and $4 per adults & Explorers. The fees will not be prorated. They will be paid in full at annual registration.

AREA WIDE RIPLEY RENDEZVOUS

REGISTRATION NOW OPEN: JUNE 1-4 AT CAMP RIPLEY

PLEASE CONCTACT THE CENTRAL MN COUNCIL OFFICE FOR MORE INFO ON THIS EVENT!

OVERVIEW

The Central Minnesota Council will host the 2023 Area Wide Ripley Rendezvous June 1-4 at Camp Ripley.  This event is one of the largest Scouting events in the upper midwest and includes Scouts from councils across our region and Canada.  Camp Ripley is a 53,000-acre military and civilian training facility operated by the Minnesota National Guard near the city of Little Falls which makes its extensive facilities available for this unique Scouting event.

 
WEEKEND PROGRAM OPTIONS

There are two standard weekend program options:

  • Extreme Program: Limit of 1,000 youth and adults (youth: age 14+ or Venturer)
    • Rappelling, ropes course, obstacle course, capture the flag, EMS scenario at military cement city, Leader Reaction Course, & much more.
  • Adventurer Program: Limit of 3,000 youth and adults (youth: ages 10+)
    • Shooting sports focus: 22 rifles, shot gun, archery, and much more

*Action Center:  All Scouts and Scouters will get the opportunity to interact with the Action Center that features military vehicle interactive displays to include several vehicles and activities, State Highway Patrol, Camp Ripley Fire Department, and other EMS organizations with interactive activities programs.  The MN Department of Natural Resources, American Red Cross (new hands only CPR certification training), patch trading area, several wildlife organizations, and much more.   

 

TREK PROGRAM OPTIONS

Friday TREK Option: Extend the weekend adventure by arriving on Thursday evening.  This option is limited to approximately 300 of our Scouts and Scouters.  This extended program is limited due to the program options offered and busing space.  The three TREK options are an additional $75 fee.

  • Option 1-Zip Line and Biking Trek (age and weight restrictions standards are enforced). Parental waiver required.
  • Option 2-Canoe the Crow Wing River and Hike the Crow Wing State Forest Trek (swim test validation required) prior to arrival.
  • Option 3-Shore fishing and DNR conservation project.
  • Option 4-Arrive Thursday evening and not sign up for any programs- $25 plus weekend fee.

 

CAMPING

This event will utilize Jamboree-style camping.  Your unit will be responsible for camping gear, tents, food, and food preparation equipment.  Unit trailers can be parked at your designated camp site, with all vehicles will be parked in a designated area.  Be sure to eat prior to arrival on Friday.

 

MEALS

Saturday lunch will be provided.*

*Important lunch meal message: due to the number of participants and the distribution process, we will not be able to accommodate any special diets. The Friday & Saturday lunch (cold lunch) will include gluten and dairy products, along with fruit, etc. Please plan for your special needs accordingly. 

 

EAGLE SCOUT RECOGNITION

 A special recognition dinner for Eagle Scouts (ages 14-21) that are attending the Area Wide Ripley Rendezvous will be offered on Saturday evening.  Please sign up your unit’s Eagle Scouts for this event during the online registration process.  The event includes a meal, special recognition presented by Camp Ripley, and a presentation focused on how Eagle Scouts can continue their service to our nation.

 

FEE STRUCTURE
  • Early Bird January 15 to March 28 – Rate $60 (payment must be made in full by Early Bird deadline to receive discount)
  • Regular Registration March 1 – April 30 – Rate $75 (payment must be made in full before April 30th or you will be charged late fee)
  • Late Registration May 1- 16 – Rate $90

Registration deadline May 16th

Special Note:

*Adding the Thursday evening arrival for the Friday TREK program fee is an additional $75 

*Adding the Thursday evening arrival, not registering for the Friday TREK program- fee is an additional $25

 

MORE INFORMATION

Leader Guides will be available on May 1st and will be sent to unit leaders contact e-mail addresses.

Note:  Registration changes will remain open until May 8.

No refunds will be offered, but fees are transferrable to another participant of this event.

The 2023 Program Planning Calendar for unit leaders has been released! Each unit Committee Chair and Cubmaster/Scoutmaster can expect a calendar in the mail to arrive in late December 2022. There will also be a limited supply of extra copies at the service centers in Fargo and Bismarck in early January. Volunteers can also view/print this calendar by clicking on the image below!